Analysis Plus Crystal ovals vs. Nordost Valhalla??

I am admittedly biased, as a committed Analysis Plus owner. Please remember, though, that you have to gauge whether the upgrade to Valhalla is worth giving up thousands of dollars worth of software. I mean, you might have to spend an extra $1500-$2000 in order to go from maybe a 7.5 or 8 out of 10 (AP Crystal Ovals) to a 9 out of 10 (Valhalla).

Granted, in a true money-no-object type of system, the upgrade from 8 to 9 can be a significant one. But if you have the sort of "real life" budget that 99.9999% of us have, maybe you should consider putting that two thousand dollars (!) into software, or a meanimgful equipment upgrade.

AP is, in my view, one of the very best "budget" type cables (if you can accept "budget" to be the syub-$500 price point). I wouldn't sacrifice software or hardware just to improve upon the AP's with a slightly better cable.

Just my two cents.

For my new system I auditioned Nordost Valhalla and Analysis Plus Golden Ovals. I wasn't happy with either, the Valhalla were open and revealing but in my system a little edgy and harsh. The AP Golden Oval were smooth as silk but I felt I had a thin muffler wrapped around my speakers. I then auditioned the Argent Audio Pursang interconnects. For me they combined the best of the other two cables. Smooth, warm and very revealing. Best of all they cost much less, I believe they were $900 for 30 inches. Contact Ric at Argent and ask for an audition.
http://www.roomlens.com/Cables.html
785.542.3922
Good luck

I'm putting in my order, next week, (finally have the $$) for a pair of Harmonix Golden Performance ICs. Never heard them, but heard tons of second hand (amazing) experiences. Enough to order a pair. I know a fellow audiophool, with a pair golden-i trust- ears, who has heard them AB'd against the Valhallas and the Harmonix were preferred. That was enough for me. Never steered me wrong yet. I'm also purchasing, at the same time, their Studio Master Power cords. Have heard the same 'bout these babies, as well. A buddy of mine replaced all his Elrods with these. Again, enough for me. And enough from me. Just some FWIW.....;peace, warren

TheDautch, your analysis was 'right on' in my opinion...after trying the Valhalla now for a week, they do add a few 'points' over the Crystal Ovals. I'm happy with all my components, so I can only realize system improvements with interconnects now, and improvements are definitely coming at a greater expense and diminishing return for the money invested.

The Valhalla are great, but their cost is more than the improvement in sound justifies...however, there was that improvement and it was noticeable and hard to resist.